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 Writer's Week Society of Professional Journalists
Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter
Jan. 7, 2012
Deadline For Next Edition: Jan. 11
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President's Message
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Carpe diem or carpe annum?
Dear friends:
I was surprised to stumble across the U.S. government's list of Popular New Year Resolutions. The first one on the list was "Drink less alcohol" (!) followed by others such as "Get fit", "Get a better job", "Get a better education," etc. The site even has links to local resources to help us achieve these resolutions! Check out the site and see for yourself.
As journalists and writers, what can be special about our resolutions in 2013? Here is my suggested list:
- Support our daily Plain Dealer
- Upgrade/update our techno skills
- Focus on relationships
- Explore higher education
- Start writing that book - at least one page a day
- Study SPJ's free resources such as Toolbox and ecampus at www.spj.org
- Network, network, network
- Learn to better use social media
- Join a professional organization such as SPJ
- Work at becoming the best version of ourselves
That should keep us busy! If you have any more suggestions, do send them in. And may we move forward in faith, as we stay prepared for change!
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Cheryl D'Mello
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Sincerely,
Cheryl D'Mello
President, SPJ Cleveland
cheryldmello@hotmail.com
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Response to
Will someone please buy The Plain Dealer? |
In response to last week's letter from Faith Corrigan, another legendary Cleveland journalist has written to Writer's Week:
I second Faith Corrigan. I also sent an e-mail to the current Newhouse-in-charge-of-newspapers suggesting he sell the PD to a Clevelander who cares more about the city than shareholders - and with the same thought: local folks fund everything from hospital buildings to museums. A big city newspaper is at LEAST that valuable, if we
 | | Janet Beigle French |
wish to continue to live in a democracy.
Janet Beighle French
To share your concern for The Plain Dealer's future:
- Sign the petition here
- Subscribe to the paper here. There's even a digital edition.
- Advertise, and support those businesses that do the same.
- Go to the Facebook site Save the Plain Dealer and sign up by hitting the "Like" button.
- Communicate! You can reach the chairman of Advance Publications Inc., Steven Newhouse, through the Contact Us button at this website or the more detailed address and phone information given by the SavethePlainDealer Facebook page. Tell him how you value the paper.
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| SPJ's New America award honors public service journalism | 
The 2012 calendar year was full of stories about newcomers to America who faced important challenges.
SPJ honors the best of those stories with the New America Award.
Did you report on one of those issues? You have until Feb. 7 to pay your $25 submission fee and enter it in the New America Award contest. Explain why you chose to report on that subject. What made it stand out? What resulted from the article?
For the complete rules and more information on how to submit your entry click here.
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The question for this year's SPJ
High School Essay Contest is ...
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Why is it important that we have news media that are independent of the government?
Are you a high school student in grades 9 to 12 who has an answer to this question? Write an essay of 300 to 500 words and submit it to SPJ by Mar. 7 and you could win a $1,000 scholarship.
Be warned. This contest is nationwide and you'll have some stiff competition. For some that will be the best reason of all to give it a try and for others it'll be the chance to express commitment to continuing the freedoms we have that many others don't.
Whatever your motivation you can download the entry form here and send it to:
High School Essay Contest
Society of Professional Journalists
3909 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208
along with a $5 entry fee.
Here's a link that gives more information and also shows last year's winners. Good luck!
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"Trail of Betrayal": How Scripps got
the Boy Scouts of America story
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The Scripps National Investigative Team studied and revealed part of the Boy Scouts of America's confidential files. When they did so, they resurrected what had been shrouded and deeply buried. Their series lasted three days and still reverberates throughout our culture.
Join Lawan Hamilton, executive producer of the series, and Carol Guensburg, assistant content editor, on Jan. 16, from 2-3 p.m. for a webinar at Scripps News online, as they explore how they:
* Put together the team
* Created a multi-platform plan
* Conducted document review and analysis
* Used national scope and execution
Check out the full story here!
Register here by Jan. 15 for the webinar.
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| Mark of Excellence Award deadline Jan. 24
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Are you enrolled in a U.S. college or university and studying for an academic degree in 2012? Have you never worked full-time as a journalist - outside of internships that is. Have you published or broadcast an article during the 2012 calendar year?
If you can answer yes to all three questions, here's your chance to enter the competition for a Society of Professional Journalists' Mark of Excellence Award. Every year, SPJ honors the best journalism by students. There are categories for print, radio, television and online collegiate journalism.
It's a real challenge. To win the national competition you must run the gauntlet of regional competition and emerge in first place. Your entry will then advance to the national level and you'll have a chance at the top awards. Regional and national winners will both be recognized at the SPJ spring conferences.
For more information and to fill in an entry form click here and good luck!
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| Job opportunities |
Thanks to Kelly Blazek for her dedication and commitment in seeking out many of the jobs posted below. To receive her full newsletter (We only excerpt media-related jobs.) see the separate box headlined Cleveland Job Bank at right.
CO-HOST FOR ALAN COX SHOW - WMMS 100.7 FM - WMMS CLEVELAND is seeking a co-host on the Alan Cox afternoon talk show. Responsibilities include creating and executing compelling content for on-air and online (web/social media) applications and making appearances at station events. Radio or comedy performance/writing experience is a bonus. We are looking for a pop-culture encyclopedia and a sports fan. Previous broadcast experience preferred. If this is you, send your materials to wmmsjob@gmail.com.
VIDEO PRODUCTION SPECIALIST - HYLAND SOFTWARE Info and Apply Here
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR VIDEO PRODUCTION - OBERLIN COLLEGE Info and Apply Here
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - CLEAR CHANNEL 106.5 THE LAKE Clear Channel Media + Entertainment Cleveland is looking for an `out of box' creative thinker to be the Executive Producer of 106.5 The Lake. Candidates need to know how to make a radio brand come to life through creative and engaging imaging. Creativity is a must; but so are killer organizational skills, incredible attention to detail and excellent follow through. We are looking for candidates with a strong knowledge of programming and past experience is a major plus! Production skills and knowledge of NexGen helpful. Please rush an email with materials (sample writing, production, programming philosophy or anything else that would sell you to us) to charleyconnolly@clearchannel.com.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER WGTE PUBLIC BROADCASTING, TOLEDO - WGTE Public Broadcasting seeks a full-time, Associate Producer. The position will also be responsible for assisting with project research, development and script writing. This position also operates television production equipment and edits video material. Previous experience in videography and digital editing required. Experience with Final Cut Pro preferred. Candidate must be willing to work a flexible work schedule. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in a field such as liberal arts, radio & television broadcasting or journalism required; or a minimum of an Associate's degree in liberal arts, radio & television broadcasting or journalism, and five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is also required. A valid driver's license is required. Send your letter and resume to: Human Resources, P.O. Box 30, Toledo, OH 43614, or Online Here
COMMERCIAL COPY COORDINATOR - WEWS TV 5 - Info and Apply Here
DIRECTOR OF PRINT & DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS - NOTRE DAME COLLEGE - Info Here. To apply, please submit a résumé and cover letter to careers@ndc.edu. Please list the title of the position for which you are applying in your subject line of your e-mail.
STUDIO PRODUCER - TRG REALITY - TRG Reality is looking for a highly organized, efficient, multi-tasker to fill a full time Studio Producer position. Must be able to prioritize between multiple photo and video shoots on a weekly basis, while not being easily overwhelmed and keeping a positive upbeat attitude. Professional experience a must, styling experience preferred.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:-Collaborates with Sales and Photography Department to determine technical and artistic project strategy -Works with photography department to determine required crew for projects-Sources out required crew for shoots (stylists, assistants, grips, camera operators, sound, etc.) -Creates and manages organized, strict schedules for large projects -Manages schedule and priorities of Set Builder and other assistants hired for Production needs. -Makes all arrangements for location shoots (contacts, fees, permits, insurance certificates, etc.) -Manages production budgets and alerts Traffic of any budgetary concerns, overages or issues -Requests talent submissions from agencies based on project requirements -Negotiates talent rates on behalf of client -Acts as liaison between client and talent agency during selection process -Ensures that all required props and wardrobe are obtained before shoot by pulling from studio inventory, purchasing, or sourcing a freelance stylist when required and within budget -Ensures that all props, wardrobe and special equipment are returned for refund after the shoot during studio hours, or hires a freelance stylist with required and within budget. -Pulls all stored product required for upcoming projects -Organize all products and props that are stored at studio on a long term basis -Search and discover new options for freelance talent in a small Cleveland Market (stylists, food stylists, set builders, photo assistants, video crew, etc) -Locate and negotiate price for obscure propping requests that can often be near impossible to find REQUIREMENTS: -3+ years' experience in production oriented field (preferably photo or video industries) -Outstanding organizational and analytical skills -Strict attention to detail -Ability to prioritize and complete multiple major projects under stressful conditions and stringent deadlines -Extremely strong computer skills: Excel, Word Processing -Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently -Excellent communicator, both oral and written -Must be self motivated-Prop buying and styling experience preferred. Please send resumes to Adam Wilde, Awilde@trgreality.com No Phone Calls Please
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Summary
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NEO/STC Networking Lunch Creekside Restaurant 8803 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville
Jan. 16
How I Got That Story
Scripps News Online
Webinar on the Boy Scouts of America series
2-3 p.m.
See details below at left and register here by Jan. 15 at 5 p.m.
Jan. 19
Cleveland Digital Publishers Users Group
Chad Pollitt on Search Engine Optimization
10:30 a.m.
Jan. 23
SAVE THE DATE
for our next SPJ Cleveland program
WOMEN IN SPORTS JOURNALISM
Details to follow soon
Jan. 24 Mark of Excellence Awards Submission Deadline
Feb. 7
Sigma Delta Chi Awards Submission Deadline
Feb. 7 New America Award Submission Deadline
Mar. 7 National High School Essay Contest Submission Deadline
SAVE THE DATE!!! Region 4 Spring Conference April 5-6
University of Dayton. Watch this space for more info as it becomes available.
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| NEO/STC January Networking Meeting -Jan. 15 |  |
It's time to exercise that new year's resolution to network. Jan. 15 at noon is the next North East Ohio Society of Technical Communicators networking lunch.
Do you have a hankering to try, or are you already involved in, technical writing? Here's your chance to meet and mingle with those involved in the industry at
Creekside Restaurant
8803 Brecksville Rd, Brecksville
www.creeksiderestaurant.com
If you plan to attend, email Angela Dianetti before Jan. 14 at adianetti@radcomservices.com
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Members' Milestones
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Please send us your special news so we can share it with your fellow SPJ members.
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| Featured Article |  |
Jan. 19 at 10:30 a.m. the CDPUG general meeting will feature Chad Pollitt (@CPollittIU), Director of Marketing for Slingshot SEO (@SlingshotSEO).
Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, has changed. Using firm data, Pollitt will discuss how inbound marketing has replaced traditional SEO and also how Google has again changed their ranking algorithm and indexing system.
Pollitt will examine:
- SEO as it has been traditionally
- The change in SEO thinking
- The meaning and cause of the change
- A case study showing the huge increase in "organic search leads"
- Seven actions we can take
For more information and directions Click Here
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Sigma Delta Chi Awards open
with entry deadline of Feb. 7 |
The prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Awards are now open for entries. You have from now to Feb. 7 to submit entries. The Sigma Delta Chi Awards date back to 1932, when only six individuals were honored for contributions to journalism. Now the awards recognize the best in professional journalism in categories covering print, radio, television, newsletters, art/graphics, online and research. The contest is open to international SPJ members and any U.S.media outlet. Publication or broadcast of entries must have happened during the 2012 calendar year. In May 2013 the winners will be declared and on June 21 there will be an awards banquet at the National Press club in Washington, D.C. For more information and to enter click here.
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Get accredited to do PR
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Perhaps you're leaving journalism, or perhaps you haven't started yet but you hear the rumblings of change. While you're waiting for things to settle down, there are opportunities in public relations.
In March 2013 the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) will start classes for the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation.
To qualify you'll need to
- Be an active PRSA member with at least five years of full-time, paid professional public relations experience (recommended)
- Submit an application to PRSA national office
- Participate in a review process of your work and your experience
- If you are approved by the committee then you will need to pass a computer exam
To be considered for accreditation download and complete an application from the national PRSA Accreditation Web site where you can also check for information on the process, a study guide, and recommended books to prepare for the exam.
The largest organization in the world for public relations professionals, the PRSA has more than 100 Chapters whose member comprise 32,000 students and professionals. They represent business,industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. The Greater Cleveland Chapter of PRSA is the group that joins public relations, communications and marketing professionals all through Northeast Ohio.
For more information about the courses starting in March 2013, email the instructors Christian Hunter, APR or Nora Jacobs, APR
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EIJ 2013 - Call for Programs and Conference Ideas |
Is it really time to start talking about the the Excellence in Journalism 2013 conference? Yes! The Call for Programs and the Call for Conference Ideas has gone out.
The Call for Programs applies if you have a proposal for a specific program with topic, content and suggested speaker (even yourself). Click here for more information and to submit. The deadline is Jan. 2
The Call for Conference Ideas applies if you want to recommend general conference topics and speakers with out a specific title or description.The planning committee will use the information to develop programs. Click here for more information. .
The 2013 conference will be held in Anaheim, California so start planning your trip. For information about hotels in the area click here
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| Internships for journalism and communication students | |
SUMMER INTERNSHIP - GLOBAL PRAIRIE Looking for a summer internship program? If so, Global Prairie has a pretty awesome program! Whether your major is advertising, communications, humanities, graphic design, science, or marketing, there's a place for you at Global Prairie. It is a great opportunity to evolve and sharpen your passions and interests, especially if you care about giving back.
We value smart, engaged, team players with a passion for making our corner of the world better...while at work! Our internship is a comprehensive 8-week program where interns partner with our full-time Global Prairie team to do cool work for incredible clients. The Global Prairie internship program provides college junior and seniors with a world-class marketing internship doing great work for incredible clients. At Global Prairie, each intern's experience is unique because we invest a lot in our program and believe in the power of great work, team building and giving back. Interested?! Learn more here
PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNSHIP - OHIO STATE FAIR - Info and Apply Here
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| Cleveland Job Bank | |
Check Kelly Blazek's website for advice on job-hunting and details on jobs in marketing, public and media relations, development, media, graphics/web design and more. Many of the jobs listed at left are reprinted from Blazek's newsletter.
NEW BLOG FROM KELLY: With a fresh batch of college grads looking for their first job, She shares pointers on how to identify shady entry-level employment scams in "Don't Fall for Faux "Entry-Level Marketing and Sports" Jobs" at her blog, Here And, follow her on Twitter Here where she posts "breaking new jobs" prior to including them in this Job Bank.
To subscribe and get the full list (we only excerpt journalism-related jobs), email the Cleveland Job Bank. For more information, go to the website. Also see the website for listings of out-of-town job search websites.
Please Note: The jobs on Blazek's list are ONLY in communications related occupations.
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 Writer's Week is a service of the Cleveland chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. This e-newsletter is edited by Carrie Buchanan, assistant professor, Tim Russert School of Communication & Theatre Arts, John Carroll University, and assistant editor Elaine Wilson, who is studying editing and design.
Please send news items and job & internship postings to spjcleveland@gmail.com
Street Address: Cleveland SPJ, 4337 Chanticleer Drive, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126-1906
Chapter email: Cleveland@spj.org
President: Cheryl D'Mello
Chapter web site: www.spjchapters.org/cleveland/
The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press.
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